October 19, 2017
Sharing your apartment with a happy and healthy dog is entirely possible providing you maintain a stable, loving and enriching environment where all your dogs needs are being met.
Pug.
Typical Weight : 6-8kg
Life Expectancy : 12-15 years
These small compact dogs are known for their charming, playful and always entertaining nature. They love to be the center of attention and thrive on human interaction making them perfect apartment playmates. Pugs do have a tendency to gain weight easily so although your pug may be happy to play at home he will need at least two short walks a day to maintain a healthy body and happy mind. The pug is not a particularly vocal breed and does not often bark without reason. Their high intelligence makes them easy to train, but they can be stubborn at times. Their intelligence also means that they are generally social creatures and do not do well alone for long periods of time. Pugs have a short double coat and do shed continuously so investing in a good vacuum cleaner is essential to be a Pug Parent.
Miniature Pinscher
Typical Weight – 3-5kgLife Expectancy 12-15 yearsThe Miniature Pinscher often referred to as the Mini Pin is a playful, active and vivacious dog whose curiosity will often get him into sticky situations. Keeping a watchful eye and baby proofing your house is a must for all Mini Pin owners.They are high energy dogs who will need frequent short walks and a lot of human interaction. These small, delicate dogs do not tolerate the cold well and will often snuggle up under a blanket with you to keep warm. Nuisance barking and bad behaviour is not usually an issue with Mini Pins as long as they receive early training. You will need to be the Alpha in this relationship or this stubborn and willful but sensitive dog will walk all over you!
Japanese Chin
Typical Weight : 2-7kg
Life Expectancy : 12-14 years
The Japanese Chin is a quirky, intelligent and loyal companion. They are huge lovers of comfort and really enjoy snuggling down somewhere warm with their humans. This breed is known to be less hyperactive and yappy than other toy breeds and is often referred to as cat like due to its agility, gracefulness and ability to scale furniture! These bright and sensitive dogs are fairly low energy and require less exercise than many breeds making them great for apartment living.
Miniature Dachshund.
Typical Weight : Under 5kg
Life Expectancy : 12-15 years
With their compact size and short legs the Mini Dachshund seems to be as popular as ever with apartment dwellers. Entertaining, devoted and courageous are often terms used to describe these clever little sausages! They're low grooming needs, playful nature and liking for a nap make the dachshund an ideal roommate. Dachshunds can be very vocal and will need to be taught from an early age when barking is appropriate and when it is not, if handled correctly this should not be an issue.
Italian Greyhound
Typical Weight : 3.5-8kg
Life Expectancy : 12-15 years
Know as the I.G or the Iggy this sweet natured, gentle and loving breed makes the perfect apartment pet. Playful, inquisitive and sometimes demanding the Iggy will always keep you on your toes! Naturally intolerant to cold weather Iggy's can often be found seeking warmth under blankets or basking in sunny spots, they will often refuse to go out in wet or cold weather and will need a little gentle persuasion. High exercise needs mean frequent brisk walks and a safe enclosed exercise area nearby is needed to maintain condition and overall health. Hypoallergenic and low shedding, this breed is also an ideal companion for people with allergies or sensitivities.
Chinese Crested
Typical Weight 2.5-5.5 kg
Life Expectancy 10-14 years
What it lacks in size, the Chinese crested makes up for in personality! This breed forms strong bonds with their human family and once that bond is forged you will have a devoted follower for life! Playful, affectionate and sweet the Chinese crested will fill your home with love and constant laughter. Although somewhat lacking in hair, keeping your crested in good condition through grooming is important. Keep any eye on his skin to avoid any dry patches getting sore and keep his tufts tangle free with a small slicker brush. Intolerant to cold weather (for obvious reasons) in his downtime you can usually find a Chinese crested snuggled somewhere warm preferably with his humans.
English Bulldog
Typical Weight 18-25kg
Life Expectancy 8- 12 years
These compact and sturdy dogs are loved by many for their gregarious, patient and affectionate nature. English bulldogs are known for being couch potatoes. With their laid back attitude it can be difficult for your Bulldog to muster the enthusiasm to go for a walk but it is crucial that they are exercised regularly as they put on weigh easily which can lead to health problems. Being a Brachycephalic breed short regular strolls are better for this breed than one or two long walks a days. Bulldogs can have a stubborn streak and will need constant and consistent training to remind them of their place in the pack and that you are the boss! All this being said with adequate indoor physical and mental stimulation your Bulldog will be as happy in an apartment as they would be a farm as long as they have you by their side.
Great Dane
Life Expectancy 7-10 years
Hear me out… although one of the largest dogs around they are also one of the friendliest and are known for being gentle giants. Granted you will need an apartment on the larger size but these docile, lazy dogs are a great fit provided they are given adequate stimulation and you don't mind a few things being knocked over every now and again! Needing at least 2 hours of exercise a day, being close to enclosed safe space your Great Dane can run around and let off steam is a must. In between periods of activity these sweet, affectionate and loyal companions are most likely to be found spread out snoozing or trying to climb up onto your lap for a cuddle!